Rwanda National Police (RNP)’s Environmental Protection Unit (EPU) continued its awareness campaign to conserve the environment in Karongi District on December 9, where the residents were urged to refrain from conducting illegal mining in rivers as it affects not only the environment but also kills aquatics.
The call was made by the head of EPU Supertendent of Police (SP) Corneille Murigo during his meeting with over 200 residents of Birambo Sector following reports of illegal mining of gold in Mashinga stream.
“The devastating effect of illegal mining is known to all. Initially, one may only think that it is the surface soil which is being destroyed but there is more to it like polluting the water bodies. It is therefore disturbing to hear that there are people conducting illegal mining in Mashinga stream,” said Murigo.
Mashinga stream is a tributary to River Nyabarongo, of which Murigo said, effects of illegal mining spreads far from their illegal sites.
Etienne Kabanga, who is in-charge of civil affairs in Birambo Sector, urged residents to abide by police advices as a measure of environmental conversation.
“The rate at which we are experiencing climate change is very high, we can’t afford to take the knowledge we have acquired from police lightly that’s why we must collectively fight against illegal mining,” said Kabanga.
One of the residents, Ernest Ntarwumwe thanked the police for the knowledge that they were equipped with and pledged to pass it on to everyone in their community.
During the meeting residents exploited the opportunity to file their grievances with the Police Mobile Station Van where, out of 22 cases filed, 16 were criminal and mainly composed of Gender Based Violence and assault.
In a related development, the EPU team also reached out to the residents of Ruhango District with the same message, where they were urged to protect the environment and report any illegal activities like cutting of trees, illegal mining and burning of bushes and forests.
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